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News Stories

2016 Snow Ball Honors Awardees

On December 9, at our annual Snow Ball gala, MHA was pleased to recognize and honor Joe Yancey and Bethany Johnson-Javois. In these short videos, you'll hear how their dedication and work has impacted our community.

Don't Wait!

​When it comes to cancer, heart conditions or diabetes, we don't wait until someone is gravely ill to start treatment. We start as soon as they are diagnosed -- before they reach a crisis Stage 4 level. With many diseases, we actually start before the treatment phase...we begin with education, prevention and early detection. And if a disease takes hold, we immediately work to reverse it. So why don't we do the same for someone who is dealing with a potentially serious mental illness? See what MHA is doing to change the way all of us think about mental illness in in Why B4Stage4? and B4Stage4: Changing the Way We Think About Mental Health.

Dissociative Disorder

Ever arrive home after work and realize you don't remember the drive? Whether you were daydreaming or figuring out what to fix for dinner, you dissociated from the moment and task at hand. In a more severe form - usually in an attempt to block painful experiences - it functions as a coping skill. Learn more about this complex condition in Dissociative Disorder: 8 Common Signs.

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5-Minute Breath Exercise

We take more than 17,000 breaths a day, and that doesn't even include the extra ones we need while exercising! But not all breaths are equal. In fact, if we don't take deep, restorative breaths, we're short-changing our physical and mental health. This 5-Minute Exercise explains the importance of deep breathing and shows you how to accomplish it. Check it out...you'll probably be surprised at the difference it can make.

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Life With...series

If you want to understand what someone with a mental illness is thinking and feeling, or if you think you're experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, click through to these easy-to-read, printable and shareable infographics. They explain what people say each disorder feels like, facts and figures related to the illness, and strategies for recovery.

More Support for People-First Language

Mental health advocates enourage everyone to use use "people-first" language. The term refers to speaking and writing in a way that acknowledges the person first, then the condition. It indicates what a person HAS, not what a person IS. For example, one would say, "a person has schizophrenia" rather than "he's schizophrenic." A recent survey confirms that words really do matter. They have the potential to shape the listener's perceptions, as well as, tolerance. Read more in Why You Should Never Use The Term "The Mentally Ill."

Change the Trajectory - Join the Rally for Mental Health

Help change the trajectory of mental health in Missouri by joining the Mental Health Rally on Wednesday, February 24 at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. You'll be inspired to keep the momentum moving forward when Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of national Mental Health America, delivers the keynote address. This year's theme, B4Stage4, emphasizes the need to treat mental illnesses before they reach a critical Stage4 condition. For more event information, you can either:

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Talking to Your Child about Violent Trauma

As news stories and footage of violent attacks in our communities and around the world become more prevalent, everyone worries about the impact these incidents have on children. No matter the child's age, the conversation can be difficult. 9 Tips for Talking with Kids About Trauma helps create positive discussions and suggests ways children can channel their energy toward good when trauma affects others.

Image courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/123RF.com

MHA Needs A Sleuth!

That's right. MHA needs a sleuth with a passion for mental health.

It’s time to update and expand our Support Group Directory, and MHA needs a volunteer to make that happen.

This is a perfect opportunity for an individual or practicum student who can dedicate 20 hours a week for approximately two months. Click here to learn more.